SCOTGOV'S decision to allow calves from dual-purpose breeds like Fleckvieh and Montbeliarde to qualify for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme is not a 'lid-off' signal that the scheme is opening up to dairy breeds.

The Scottish Beef Association gave 'cautious' support to the move, but sought clarification from the Government and NFU Scotland. It reported that, while the rules appear to have been moved to allow calves from dual purpose breeds to be eligible under the SSSBS, the calf’s mother must not be part of a milking herd but must be suckling its calf for it to be eligible for support.

Commenting on the decision SBA chairman Neil McCorkindale said: “We understand that dual-purpose breed such as the Fleckvieh are being used in suckler herds and we would not want to see those farmers being disadvantaged. However, I wish to assure beef producers across Scotland that this is not a 'lid-off' situation.

“The SBA remains totally opposed to opening the scheme to dairy breeds," he stressed. "Scottish beef farmers have spent many years building a reputation of producing a product of the highest quality and we will do everything we can to protect this hard-won reputation.”

The SBA has asked that the Scottish Government to keep it informed of any further rule changes which are being considering and which might dilute support payments to beef producers.